Rust Preventer For Empty Gas Tank
 

I have the gas tank and carburetor off of my motorcycle right now, doing a number of small repairs. Thinking I may just shut it down for the winter, as it needs a new battery and I might as well just wait until Spring.

My question is, my gas tank is empty and dry right now. I'd like to coat it with something that will prevent surface rust from forming for the next 4-6 months or so. What would work best in this case? I assume just leaving the carb dry should be ok, or should I also spray it down with something to prevent corrosion and keep the seals flexible?

Thanks,

JA

Well, the cheapest thing is a couple gallons of gas or some diesel. If you "coat" it, whatever you use is going to have to be washed out. There are a number of rust inhibitors on the shelf at the FLAPS.

Se if you can find CorrosionX.

I would think an ounce or two of motor oil swooshed about would leave a thin film on all surfaces. When you fill it with 4 or 5 gallons of fuel in the spring, what little oil was in their would be diluted and not impact anything.

Thanks guys.

Milt, I think leaving gas in it is part of the root cause for why it is apart now. The gas in it, which wasn't that old, turned to varnish. It stunk so bad and ate the rubber fuel hose. I took the carb apart into a million pieced, cleaned out the tank and petcock, and replaced the fuel hose. I am afraid to load it up with gas again and let it sit for a number of months more.

The motor oil was the same idea I had. Seems it wouldn't be too bad to put some gas in it in the spring, and "rinse" the oil out as best I can. Whatever little residue is left might make it smoke a bit for a little while, but no other harm done.

Any other ideas? What about just spraying the heck out of it with WD-40? Would that work?

Thanks,

JA

You could get one of those cleaning/etching/sealing kits POR makes one... Eastwood does as well...

drain it, dry it. spray it with a fogging oil

Sta-Bil® Fogging Oil (22001) - Automotive Grease & Lubrication - Ace Hardware

Fogging oil!!! Perfect!

Just leave carb dry?

Thanks!


JA

Read some of the comments on CorrosionX.

I've done both, but in general with the lame excuse for fuel we call pump gasoline, I'd drain it.